Ashes on the Waves

Gr 8 Up—Edgar Allan Poe's poem "Annabel Lee" provides the structure for this gothic tale of mystery, myth, and romance. The islanders of Dòchas, Maine, have allowed their lives to be ruled by the whims of the "Otherworlders," mystical creatures who live beneath the waves. When socialite Anna Leighton, whose family once summered in the island's mansion, arrives and is saved from the call of the sea by 18-year-old outcast Liam MacGregor, the love that grows between them brings into question ancient myths and rumors. Despite the pleas of Muireann, the Selkie who loves Liam from afar, the dangerous Na Fir Ghorm, beings that lure humans to their deaths, plot to test the couple's fidelity. The story is filled with fascinating details of Celtic lore, and the interweaving of myth with the realistic aspects of island life adds an interesting dimension. The carefully paced text slowly but clearly reveals the complexities of the relationships between the islanders and the Otherworlders. Anna and Liam are well developed, and Muireann and Liam's stepfather show glimpses of depth as well. However, other characters are stereotypical, acting and reacting like characters in a Dark Shadows-type soap opera. The novel holds together until the Romeo-and-Juliet-like ending. The melodramatic finale, rather than melding with the rest of the well-plotted book, seems a quick fix to align the story with the ending of Poe's poem. Nevertheless, this tale of forbidden love will appeal to adolescent girls in the throes of their own first romances.—Nancy Menaldi-Scanlan, formerly at LaSalle Academy, Providence, RI